CYTOLOGY, NIPPLE DISCHARGE

Test Code

LAB4318

Alias/See Also

AP35

CPT Codes
88104

Preferred Specimen

Smears from nipple discharge

Instructions

Label specimen with patient's full name (first and last), history number, name of requesting physician, and date and source of specimen.1. Label in pencil the frosted end of the slide with the patient's full name, medical record number, source and whether it is from the right or left breast. 2. Soak nipple with warm saline for 10-15 minutes, then gently massage subareolar area, and nipple with thumb and forefinger. 3. When secretion occurs, allow a pea-sized drop to accumulate on apex of nipple. 4. Place the slide upon nipple and slide across quickly. 5. Immediately spray-fix slide, or place in 95% ethanol. 6. Make as many smears as the amount of specimen allows, as the later smears usually yield the most diagnostic material. NOTE: 1. Failure to immediately fix the smears may cause air-drying artifact and render them unsatisfactory for cytology evaluation. 2. Cellular distortion or smearing artifact due to excessive pressure applied when smearing the specimen can limit cytologic interpretation.

Transport Container

Slides that are immediately spray-fixed or placed in 95% ethanol fixative.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Methodology
Interpretation by Pathologist

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Monday - Friday Report Available:1-2 days

Clinical Significance

Useful for the diagnosis of primary or metastatic neoplasms. Can aid in the diagnosis of non-neoplastic, infectious, or inflammatory processes.

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Cytology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.